Budapest is special, enjoy it and relax!

We interviewed Agnes Schubert from Hostel Relax in Budapest

There are many reasons to visit Hungary: Budapest is a wonderful city, there's a lot of culture, art, food, fun... we decided to ask some more about Budapest to the owner of Hostel Relax. She'll explain us how her hostel project started and what you can't miss if you visit Hungary.

1. We would like to know more about you as a hostel owner/manager. Please give us a short introduction of yourself!
   
   Hi, my name is Agi, although I got a lot of nick-names lately. I guess as time passes my guests do not know what to invent, so I become: the lady, the hostel mama, the owner, Ms. Schubert according to situations. I must tell you a secret, I haven’t changed my name, it is still Agi.
   
   
   
   I have been working for more than 15 years in the tourist industry, with little breaks of course but in almost all kinds of fields, and I hope I will continue like this, as it is one of my passions.
   
   Hostel Relax is very special, as I run it all alone and its capacity is not huge. I welcome everyone regardless of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity or nationality, I only ask everyone to respect each other.
   
   I started backpacking when I was 18 and went somewhere every year for a month. I had also a little scheme in my travel plans, as first wanted to explore Europe and then the continents. My first backpacking trip was to the former Yugoslawia, which used to offer a wide diversity of cultural experiences. I still travel a lot and I will be doing so for my whole life, I believe it teaches more about the world then any kind of education.
   
   
2. When did you start your business?
   
   3 years ago.
   
   
3. How did you come up with the idea of opening a hostel?
   
   I had many experiences staying at hostels all over the world and always wanted to avoid all the disadvantages travelers could have. I wished to offer a little place with quiet nights, easy transport and let visitors come close to know how people live. It is important to see a country not only for its sights, there is a difference between the real traveler and the usual tourist. I think only those who travel a lot start to realize the difference.
   
   
4. Do you think running a hostel is a difficult field of the business?
   
   Sometimes it can be, but travelers can give so much to your life as well, it is wonderful.
   
   
5. What are the things you have to pay attention the most?
   
   I want my guests to know the pros, but also the cons, I want them to get to know the true face of Hungary. I think having a clean and quiet place is the most important thing you need when you are travelling around. Recycling and eating healthy food are important to me as well.
   
   
   
   
6. Let's talk a little about your guests. Where do your travellers come from?
   
   Poland, England, California and the Asian countries, but almost all over the world! Sometimes they really surprise me, as they are able to walk in the middle of the night from the other side of the city just to reach my place. I also remember two Mexican guys walking to my place in the middle of the night and bringing me a little turtle as symbol of long life.
   
   
7. What are your strenghts? Tell us your TOP 5.
   
   My knowledge about traveling, my knowledge about the country, the languages I speak, all the experience I had and the passion for travelling.
   
   
8. What would you like to achieve in the next future?
   
   Of course, as everyone would say, attract more travelers, but beside that, I'd like to bring my guests closer to the nature and to the art. I think my place is ideal for this, as I am in a triangle from the Airport, the city center and the nature (forest, lake, gardens)
   
   
   
   
9. What can you suggest to backpackers who want to visit Budapest? "You cannot leave Budapest without ...."
   
   What I usually ask my guests is what their interests or hobbies are. Everyone is different and exactly this wonder makes us so interesting. I had Polish history students who wanted to see as much as possible, but once they arrived for example to Gödöllő castle, which is one of the famous Sissi residences, they just went out to the park to play soccer, leaving their initial ideas about learning more about the history behind.
   
   I had a guy from Peru who had been traveling already for half year who said that the most interesting thing about Budapest was the Monument Park, with all the former communist statues. I had honeymooners here as well, who just visited the Zoo and Aquariums or Swedish people going to the SPA and picnicking in the forest, Californians making BBQs and going to theaters or to the opera.
   
   I would say, if you don't have much time to visit, just the inside of the Parliament will allow you to know already half of Hungary, then eat a good spicy fish-soup, drink a good glass of wine and leave with peace in your heart.
   
   
   
10. What are the specials you are preparing for the summer?
    
    I want you to taste the Hungarian sweets which I am writing blogs about and lots more……….but you can see all this only if you come by!